E-commerce replacement or replenishment of consumable

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for replenishing a consumable include order satisfaction responsive to an indication of imminent failure or depletion of a consumable based on detected parameters. A sensor reading may indicate that a consumable is performing below a threshold, or has limited remaining capacity. Responsive to a determination that a replacement is necessary, the method may recommend one or more alternatives. The recommendation may be made based on how closely a candidate replacement&#39;s performance or other characteristic (e.g. cost, capacity) matches that of a currently-used consumable. The recommendation may be based on one or more attributes of a candidate replacement compared to a currently-used consumable. An order may be automatically placed according to the currently-used consumable or the recommended alternative(s). The order may be delivered with instructions regarding where and when to replace the consumable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for replacing orreplenishing a consumable. More specifically, it relates to an ordersatisfaction system responding to an indication of imminent failure ordepletion of a consumable based on detected parameters.

BACKGROUND

Consumables are goods that are used, depleted, spent, dissipated,wasted, or the like. Some consumables are replaced, e.g., with a refillor a replacement. Consumables may include office supplies such ascomputer toner, paper, and pens; household supplies such as waterfilters, toilet paper, soap, and light bulbs; and other types ofrefillable or replaceable items in other contexts or environments. Forsome consumables, it is difficult to predict when the consumable willrequire refill or replacement. For these types of consumables,accompanying challenges include when to purchase a replacement for theconsumable and, where alternatives are available, what to purchase andor use as a replacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for replenishing a consumableaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart of a method for recommending an alternative for aconsumable according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart of a method for recommending an alternative for aconsumable according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for placing an order for a consumableaccording to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a method for replacing a consumable includesautomatically receiving data regarding a state of a consumable. Based onthe state of the consumable, the method may determine that a performanceof the consumable is below a threshold. If the performance of theconsumable is below the threshold, the method may identify a replacementfor the consumable. The method may automatically place an order for thereplacement.

Some embodiments determine when to replace a consumable. For example, aconsumable may be replaced at a definable period before partial or totalfailure. As another example, a consumable may be replaced “just intime.” In some embodiments, the timing of the replacement may preventoverpurchase or underpurchase. Some embodiments may identify and/oroffer an alternative replacement. For example, a method may recommend analternative refill or replacement that performs similarly to a currentrefill or replacement for a consumable. As another example, a method mayrecommend an alternative replacement that performs better than a currentrefill or replacement for a consumable. The method may recommend analternative refill based on simulations while avoiding trial and error.In the context of the present disclosure, performance may include notonly physical characteristics, but also price and availability.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system 100 implementing themethods and systems described herein. The system 100 may includemarketplace 160 and a consumable system 110. Each element of the system100 may exchange data via a network 120 such as the Internet. Themarketplace 160 may publish content gathered, generated, or derived fromthe elements of the system. The consumable system 110 may provide datato and receive data from the marketplace 160.

The consumable system 110 may include a sensor 104, a processor 108, andin some instances storage 106. In an embodiment, the consumable system110 may be communicatively coupled to a consumable 102. In analternative embodiment, the consumable system 110 may include theconsumable 102. In another embodiment, the consumable system may includejust processor 108 and apparatus to communicate with the network 120.Sensor 104 may be separate from the rest of consumable system 110. Forillustrative, non-limiting purposes, purely by way of example, theconsumable is represented as a light bulb.

The sensor 104 may be coupled to the consumable 102 and may be anon-body or off-body sensor. The sensor 104 may detect a behavior of theconsumable. The sensor 104 may detect characteristics of a setting inwhich the consumable is used. An on-body sensor may be placed on or inthe vicinity of the consumable to measure performance of the sensor. Forexample, an on-body sensor for a refrigerator may be a camera placed onthe refrigerator. As another example, an on-body sensor for a light bulbmay be a sensor to sense an electrical characteristic of the light bulbsuch as a resistance of the filament. An off-body sensor may be placedin the vicinity of the consumable or within an area in which the effectsof the consumable may be measured. For example, an off-body sensor for alight bulb may be a sensor placed on a switch for the light bulb todetect a characteristic provided by the light bulb. For example, thecharacteristic may include a brightness or a temperature of the lightbulb. As another example, an off-body sensor may be a sensor pluggedinto an electrical outlet in a room to sense conditions in the roomcaused by the light bulb. These conditions may include a brightness ofthe room and a warmth of the room.

The processor 108 may process sensor readings collected by the sensor104. For example, the processor 108 may analyze data detected by sensor104. In an embodiment, the processor 108 may determine operatingconditions of the consumable 102 such as an efficiency of theconsumable. In an embodiment, the processor may monitor characteristicsof the consumable 102. For example, the processor may monitor a usagecharacteristic or an efficiency of the consumable. This information maybe used to generate a recommendation of an alternative replacement withcomparable characteristics. Sensor readings may be stored in storage106, or may be communicated directly over network 120. In an embodiment,the sensor readings may be monitored, and communicated over network 120only when the readings correlate to a need for replacement of theconsumable.

Storage 106 may store data related to the consumable such as thespecifications of the consumable. In an embodiment, storage 106 may becoupled to the sensor 104 to store sensor readings. In anotherembodiment, storage 106 may be coupled to the processor 108 to storeprocessor sensor readings. Using a light bulb as an example of aconsumable, storage 106 may store a type and/or size of light bulb. Thismay facilitate backwards and forwards compatibility by allowing thesystem to analyze several types of light bulbs, including those bulbsdeveloped before or after the light bulb being used.

In operation, the sensor 104 may detect a behavior of the consumable 102or a setting in which the consumable 102 is used. The detected data maybe stored in storage 106. In an embodiment, the consumable system 110may periodically provide the stored data to the marketplace 160 via thenetwork 120. In an alternative embodiment, the consumable system 110 mayprovide sensor data directly to the marketplace 160 via the network 120without first storing the data in storage 106. In yet anotherembodiment, upon a request, the consumable system 110 may provide datato the marketplace 160.

The marketplace 160 may include an application server 140 and a storagesystem 150. The marketplace 160 may include a data exchange platform.The data exchange platform may host transactions such as purchasing andselling goods and services including auctions. The data exchangeplatform may also host processes assisting the transactions such asgenerating recommendations, synchronizing financial journals,distribution of goods, collection, and payment.

The application server 140 may include a recommendation engine 142 andan order engine 144. The application server 140 may be communicativelycoupled to a storage system 150. Each of the recommendation engine 142and the order engine 144 may be operated according to the methodsdescribed herein. For example, the recommendation engine 142 may performthe methods shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and the order engine 144 mayperform the methods shown in FIG. 6.

The network 120 may include any wired connection, wireless connection,or combination thereof, a non-exhaustive list including: LAN (local areanetwork), WAN (wide area network), VPN (virtual private network),cellular network, satellite network, Wi-Fi network, optical network, theInternet, and a Cloud network. The network 120 may use any combinationof transmission protocols or techniques.

Each of the storage systems 106, 150 may include any permanent memorycircuit, temporary memory circuit, or combination thereof, anon-exhaustive list including: ROM (read-only memory), RAM (randomaccess memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory), Flash memory, CD (compact disk), DVD (digital versatile disk),and hard disk drive.

The system 100 is an illustrative system having a client-serverarchitecture, where the consumable system 110 is a client. The systemmay be embodied in other types of architectures, including, but notlimited to peer-to-peer network environments and distributed networkenvironments.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a device 200 for implementingthe methods and systems described herein. The device may be a serversystem or a client system. For example, the application server 140 shownin FIG. 1 may be implemented by the device 200. The device 200 mayinclude a computing device 210, an I/O (input/output) device 234, and astorage system 250. The computing device may include a processor 212, amemory 214, and an I/O interface 232. Each of the components may beconnected via a bus 262.

The processor 212 executes computer program code, for example codestored in memory 214 or storage 250. The execution of the code mayinclude reading and/or writing to/from memory 214, storage 250, and/orI/O device 234. The program code may execute the methods describedherein.

The memory 214 may include, or may work in conjunction with memorymanagement 264. The memory management may include a recommendationengine 216 and an order engine 218. The recommendation engine 216 may beconfigured to make computing device 210 operable to recommend areplacement for a consumable. The recommendation engine 216 mayimplement the methods described herein, e.g., in relation to FIGS. 5Aand 5B. The order engine 218 may be configured to make computing device210 operable to place an order or a replacement for a consumable. Theorder engine 218 may implement the methods described herein, e.g., inrelation to FIG. 6.

One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that recommendationengine 216 and/or order engine 218 need not be part of memory managementsystem 264, but instead may be separate modules or elements. One ofordinary skill in the art also would understand that a different numberof engines than the ones shown may be included in memory 214 (orprovided separately). The functionality described for each engine mayalso be apportioned to different engines. Additional engines are alsopossible. For example, a billing engine may be configured to charge avendor for at least some of the information stored in storage 250 ormemory 214. The billing engine may be further configured to chargevendors for recommending a replacement for a consumable and/or to chargeconsumers for placing an order for a consumable.

The memory 214 may include local memory usable during execution ofprogram code, cache memory temporarily storing program code, and bulkstorage. The local memory may include any permanent memory circuit,temporary memory circuit, or combination thereof, a non-exhaustive listincluding: ROM, RAM, EEPROM, Flash memory, CD, DVD, and hard disk drive.

The I/O device 234 may include any device enabling a user to interactwith the computing device 210, including but not limited to a keyboard,pointing device such as a mouse, touchscreen, microphone, speakersystem, computer display, and printer.

The computing device 210 may include any special purpose and/or generalpurpose computing article of manufacture executing computer programcode, including, but not limited to, a personal computer, a smart devicesuch as a smartphone or tablet, and a server. The computing device maybe a combination of general and/or specific purpose hardware and/orprogram code.

The device 200 may be embodied as a single server or a cluster ofservers including at least two servers communicating over any type ofcommunications link. A communications link may include any wiredconnection, wireless connection, or combination thereof, anon-exhaustive list including: LAN (local area network), WAN (wide areanetwork), VPN (virtual private network), cellular network, satellitenetwork, Wi-Fi network, optical network, the Internet, and a Cloudnetwork. The communications link may use any combination of transmissionprotocols or techniques.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a device 300 for implementingthe methods and systems described herein. The device may be a serversystem or a client system. For example, the processor 108 shown in FIG.1 may be implemented by the device 300. The device 300 may include acomputing device 310, an I/O (input/output) device 334, and a storagesystem 350. The computing device may include a processor 312, a memorysystem 314, and an I/O interface 332. Each of the components may beconnected via a bus 362.

The processor 312 executes computer program code, for example codestored in memory 314 or storage 350. The execution of the code mayinclude reading and/or writing to/from memory 314, storage 350, I/Odevice 334, and/or the sensor 380. The program code may execute themethods described herein.

The memory 314 may include, or may work in conjunction with memorymanagement 364. Memory management 364 may include a sensor analysisengine 316 and a notification engine 318. The sensor analysis engine 316may be configured to make computing device 310 operable to analysissensor readings, for example readings provided by sensor 380. The sensoranalysis engine 316 may implement the methods described herein, e.g., inrelation to FIG. 4. The notification engine 318 may be configured tomake computing device 310 operable to provide a notification to replacea consumable or to provide a notification of a state of the consumable.The notification engine 318 may implement the methods described herein,e.g., in relation to FIG. 6.

One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that sensor analysisengine 316 and/or notification engine 318 need not be part of memorymanagement system 364, but instead may be separate modules or elements.One of ordinary skill in the art also would understand that a differentnumber of engines than the ones shown may be included in the memorysystem 314. The functionality described for each engine may also beapportioned to different engines. Additional engines are also possible.For example, a billing engine may be configured to charge a vendor forat least some of the information stored in storage 350 or memory 314.The billing engine may be further configured to charge consumers forproviding a notification.

Memory 314 may include local memory usable during execution of programcode, cache memory temporarily storing program code, and bulk storage.The local memory may include any permanent memory circuit, temporarymemory circuit, or combination thereof, a non-exhaustive list including:ROM, RAM, EEPROM, Flash memory, CD, DVD, and magnetic tape.

The I/O device 334 may include any device enabling a user to interactwith the computing device 310, including but not limited to a keyboard,pointing device such as a mouse, touchscreen, microphone, speakersystem, computer display, and printer.

The computing device 310 may include any special purpose and/or generalpurpose computing article of manufacture executing computer programcode, including, but not limited to, a personal computer, a smart devicesuch as a smartphone, and a server. The computing device may be acombination of general and/or specific purpose hardware and/or programcode.

The device 300 may be embodied as a single server or a cluster ofservers including at least two servers communicating over any type ofcommunications link. A communications link may include any wiredconnection, wireless connection, or combination thereof, anon-exhaustive list including: LAN (local area network), WAN (wide areanetwork), VPN (virtual private network), cellular network, satellitenetwork, Wi-Fi network, optical network, the Internet, and a Cloudnetwork. The communications link may use any combination of transmissionprotocols or techniques.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for replenishing a consumable. Inbox 402, the method 400 may receive data from a sensor coupled to theconsumable. For example, the data may be detected by sensor 104 shown inFIG. 1 or sensor 380 shown in FIG. 3. The data from the sensor, e.g., asensor reading, may reflect a state of a consumable. The method 400 maythen determine whether the consumable is performing below a threshold(box 404). If the consumable is performing above the threshold level,the method 400 may return to box 402 to obtain another sensor reading.If the consumable is performing below the threshold level, the method400 may proceed to box 406. In box 406, the method 400 may determinewhether a replacement or refill for the consumable is available. If areplacement or refill is available, the method 400 may place an order(box 408). In an embodiment, a replacement or refill will be identicalto the consumable.

If a replacement or refill is not available, the method 400 determinewhether an alternative may exist, and may recommend the alternative (box412). The recommendation may be made according to method 500 or method550 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. If the replacement is available, themethod proceeds to box 408, in which the method 400 places an order. Inan alternative embodiment, even if a replacement is available, themethod 400 may provide recommendations for alternative products beforeplacing an order. The recommendation may be made according to methods500 and 550 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In box 408, the order may be placed according to method 600 shown inFIG. 6. Optionally, the method 400 may effect delivery of the order (box414). For example, the method may notify a third-party merchant, updatefinancial accounts, and/or arrange for delivery of the replacement orrefill.

In an embodiment, the sensor reading (box 402) may be performed atperiodic intervals. The interval may be pre-defined. In anotherembodiment, a sensor reading may be performed responsive to a request.For example, the request may be made by an external device or systemsuch as the marketplace 160 shown in FIG. 1. As another example, therequest may be made at the sensor by a user, e.g., via a push of abutton.

In an embodiment, the sensor reading (box 402) may be based on anon-body sensor. The on-body sensor may transmit its reading via wirelesstransmitter, or may be in physical communication with consumable system110. For example, the wireless transmitter may be implemented as a nanowireless transmitter using Bluetooth® low energy protocol.

In another embodiment, the sensor reading (box 402) may be based on anoff-body sensor. The off-body sensor may transmit its reading viawireless transmitter, as noted above, or may be in physicalcommunication with consumable system 110. An off-body sensor may allowfor backwards compatibility, by permitting continued use of traditionallight bulbs with a replacement.

In an embodiment, a performance threshold (box 404) may be pre-defined.In an alternative embodiment, the method 400 may define a threshold suchthat the consumable is expected to fail, or to become completelydepleted or used up within a time period following the reaching of thethreshold. Using the example of a light bulb, the threshold may be anintensity level of brightness and/or warmth below which the light bulbis expected to burn out within two weeks of the light bulb's performancefalling below the threshold. In an embodiment, the expected failure orcomplete consumption of the consumable may be computed or estimated tobe some period longer than it would take to place an order for areplacement or refill and complete delivery.

In an embodiment, the determination of whether a replacement or refillis available (box 406) may be based on supplier stock. For example, areplacement or refill may be unavailable if a supplier does not have areplacement or refill in stock or does not expect to have thereplacement or refill in stock at the time of expected shipment to aconsumer. In another embodiment, the determination of whether areplacement or refill is available includes obtaining specification(s)of the consumable and matching the specification(s) to a database of amarketplace. For example, the specification(s) of the consumable may beobtained from storage 106 shown in FIG. 1, or storage 206 in FIG. 2.Alternatively, the specification(s) of the consumable may be inferredbased on sensed characteristics of the consumable. Using a light bulb asan example, the sensed characteristics may be an intensity (e.g., inlumens) or warmth of the light bulb.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart of a method 500 for recommending an alternativefor a consumable. The recommendation may be based on one or morecharacteristics of the consumable. The method 500 may receive acandidate replacement 502 for a consumable and one or more physical,functional, and/or performance specifications for the consumable (box504). The candidate replacement 502 may be an alternative replacement orrefill for the consumable. For example, the candidate replacement may bea different model that provides functionality and/or performance equalor equivalent to that of the currently-used consumable.

At 506, the method 500 may then determine whether the candidatereplacement is suitable. In an embodiment, the method 500 may determinethat the candidate replacement is suitable if a specification for thecandidate replacement is within a range of the received consumablespecification (box 504). For instance, a light socket may accommodatebulbs of a particular base size and/or type. A candidate replacement maybe considered suitable if it would fit into the light socket. In anembodiment, a candidate replacement may be considered suitable if itprovided the same brightness. Price of the candidate replacement alsomay be a consideration. Where the consumable is a light bulb, the energyconsumption of the candidate replacement may be a consideration.

If a specification of the candidate replacement 502 sufficiently matchesa specification of the consumable 504, then the method 500 may provide arecommendation for the replacement (box 508). In an embodiment,providing the recommendation (box 508) may include generating anotification including the recommendation for the replacement. Thenotification may include more than one recommendation. The notificationmay include an e-mail message to a consumer. In another embodiment, themethod 500 may automatically place an order based on the recommendation(box 512). That is, the method 500 may automatically order a replacementfor the consumable according to the recommendation.

In box 504, the consumable specifications may include a behavior of aconsumable. In an embodiment, the consumable behavior may be a propertyknown at the time of manufacture. In an alternative embodiment, theconsumable behavior may be measurable, for example by sensor 104 shownin FIG. 1 or sensor 380 shown in FIG. 3. Where the consumable is a lightbulb, specifications for the light bulb may include but are not limitedto: intensity, lifespan, and warmth. In an embodiment, thespecifications may include energy consumption.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart of a method 550 for recommending an alternativefor a consumable. The recommendation may be based on characteristics ofa setting in which the consumable is used, and usage habits of a user ofthe consumable. The method 550 may receive a candidate replacement 552for a consumable, a usage habit 554, and a setting characteristic 556.In box 562, the method 550 may characterize a candidate replacementbased on at least one usage habit 554 and/or at least one settingcharacteristic 556. The method 550 may then determine whether aperformance of the candidate replacement matches or exceeds apresently-used consumable. In an embodiment, performance may beconsidered substantially matching if at least one performance measure iswithin a threshold range, below a threshold value, or above a thresholdvalue. In another embodiment, performance of a first consumable may beconsidered better than performance of a second consumable if theperformance of the first consumable is more optimal for a usage habitand/or setting characteristic. For example, a particular light bulb maybe used in a particular room for a certain number of hours each day. Themethod 550 may determine that another type of light bulb may providesubstantially the same amount of light and have comparable or betterlongevity compared with a currently used type of light bulb. In anembodiment, the method 550 may determine that another type of light bulbwould use less energy for comparable light emission and/or longevity.

If the method 550 determines that a performance of the candidatereplacement 552 is not equal to or better than that a presently-usedconsumable (box 562), the method may select another candidatereplacement 552 for comparison purposes. The process may be repeateduntil a suitable candidate is found. Alternatively, the process may berepeated a pre-definable number of times, and, if a suitable alternativeis not found, the method 550 may place an order for a currently-usedtype of consumable.

If the method 550 determines that a performance of the candidatereplacement is equal to or better than a presently-used consumable, thenthe method may proceed to box 566, in which the method provides arecommendation to use the replacement. In an embodiment, the providingof the recommendation (box 566) may include generating a notificationincluding the recommendation for the replacement. The notification mayinclude a list of more than one recommendation. The notification mayinclude an e-mail message to a consumer. In another embodiment, themethod 550 may automatically place an order based on the recommendation(box 568). That is, the method 550 may automatically order a replacementfor the consumable according to the recommendation.

A usage habit 554 may include a characteristic associated with use of aconsumable. A usage habit may be unique to a particular consumable, i.e.vary from consumer to consumer based on individual use. In anembodiment, a usage habit may be reported by a user. In an alternativeembodiment, a usage habit may be measureable, for example by sensor 104shown in FIG. 1 or sensor 380 shown in FIG. 3. For example, usage habitsfor a light bulb include but are not limited to: length of time thelight is on, e.g., number of hours per day, time of day of usage, and/ora purpose for which the light bulb is primarily used, e.g., reading,mood lighting, etc., if information relating to the purpose isavailable.

A setting characteristic 556 may include a characteristic of a settingin which the consumable is used. The setting characteristic may varyfrom consumer to consumer. In an embodiment, a setting characteristicmay be reported by a user. For example, setting characteristics for alight bulb include but are not limited to: a size of a room in which thelight bulb is used, and an average temperature of a room in which thelight bulb is used.

In box 562, the method 550 may characterize the candidate replacementwith usage habit(s) 554 and/or setting characteristic(s) 556. Using theexample of hours of use and an average study room size, thecharacterization may include determining a longevity of a candidatereplacement light bulb and area of brightness to determine how similarthe performance of the candidate replacement would be to apresently-used consumable (box 564). In an alternative embodiment, themethod 550 may determine that a presently used consumable is not optimalfor usage habit(s) and/or setting characteristic(s). Accordingly, themethod 550 may quantify a performance measure of a candidate replacementfor comparison with a presently-used consumable.

Methods 500 and 550 may be practiced in combination. For example, method500 may determine that a candidate replacement is suitable for use, andmethod 550 may select a most efficient replacement from a ranking of allsuitable candidate replacements.

In an embodiment, a merchant or other order fulfiller may keep relevantinformation about particular consumables on hand, including one or moreof the performance characteristics discussed above. The method 500 coulduse some or all of this on-hand information, thereby obviating the needfor some or all of the characterization described above.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 for placing an order for aconsumable. The placement of the order may be based on expected timingof exhaustion of the consumable. The method 600 may receive an order 602and a state of a consumable 604. The state of the consumable 604 mayinclude a characteristic of an operating state of the consumable. Forexample, where the consumable is a light bulb, the characteristic mayreflect a state of depletion of the light bulb.

In an embodiment, the method 600 may generate instructions based on theorder 602 and the state of the consumable 604 (box 606). The order maybe generated according to methods described herein, e.g., methods 500and 550 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. For example, the state of theconsumable 604 may indicate that the existing light bulb will burn outin approximately two weeks. The state of the consumable 604 may alsoindicate that the light bulb is located in a particular room.

In an embodiment, in box 606 the method 600 may generate instructionsfor when and where to replace the consumable. For example, theinstructions may indicate a location of the consumable and anapproximate time frame for replacing the consumable. The instructionsmay be in any form: written, audio, video, etc.

In box 608, the method 600 may order a replacement for a consumable. Themethod 600 may contact a merchant to place an order. The method 600 mayweight factors to determine a supplier from which to order theconsumable. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, price,availability, and delivery time. For instance, the method 600 maydetermine that, according to the state of the consumable 604, aconsumable will be usable until two weeks from the present. The method600 may determine that a first supplier is able to supply the product in1.5 weeks at a first price, while a second supplier is able to supplythe product in one week at a second, higher price than the first price.Based on these determinations, the method 600 may select the firstmerchant. That is, the method 600 may select a lower-priced supplier whoprovides the product in a longer time over another supplier who chargesmore for the product but is able to supply the product more quickly. Inbox 612, the method 600 may include instructions, which may be based onthe instructions optionally generated in box 606, in a shipment to aconsumer. This may facilitate the replenishment of the consumable byinforming the consumer of an appropriate time and/or place for replacingthe consumable.

While the discussion of embodiments herein use a light bulb as anexample of a consumable, the embodiments are applicable to other typesof consumables, including any consumable whose physical characteristicsmay be measured and communicated. Another example of such a consumablemay be a water filter, whose filter insert may last for a limited time.The method may monitor post-filtration levels, or changes in levels, ofone or more contaminants that the filter is supposed to filter out, andmay determine from such levels that the filter will cease effectiveusefulness within a certain period of time. Another example would beprinter ink or toner. These last examples of consumables are used incomputer printers, some of which have sensors which convey state of useto users. Other similar examples of consumables whose characteristicscan be similarly evaluated will be apparent to ordinarily skilledartisans.

Although the disclosure has been described with reference to severalexemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have beenused are words of description and illustration, rather than words oflimitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appendedclaims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from thescope and spirit of the disclosure in its aspects. Although thedisclosure has been described with reference to particular means,materials and embodiments, the disclosure is not intended to be limitedto the particulars disclosed; rather the disclosure extends to allfunctionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are withinthe scope of the appended claims.

As used in the appended claims, the term “computer-readable medium” mayinclude a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that storeone or more sets of instructions. The term shall also include any mediumthat is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructionsfor execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to performany one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

The computer-readable medium may comprise a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or media and/or comprise a transitorycomputer-readable medium or media. In a particular non-limiting,exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium may include asolid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that housesone or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, thecomputer-readable medium may be a random access memory or other volatilere-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium mayinclude a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes orother storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signalcommunicated over a transmission medium. Accordingly, the disclosure isconsidered to include any computer-readable medium or other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

The present specification describes components and functions that may beimplemented in particular embodiments which may operate in accordancewith one or more particular standards and protocols. However, thedisclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Suchstandards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficientequivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly,replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functionsare considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the various embodiments. Theillustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of allof the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize thestructures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure.Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, suchthat structural and logical substitutions and changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, theillustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale.Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, whileother proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and thefigures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

For example, operation of disclosed embodiments has been described inthe context of servers and terminals that embody marketplace and/orproduct placement systems. These systems can be embodied in electronicdevices or integrated circuits, such as application specific integratedcircuits, field programmable gate arrays and/or digital signalprocessors. Alternatively, they can be embodied in computer programsthat execute on personal computers, notebook computers, tablets,smartphones or computer servers. Such computer programs typically arestored in physical storage media such as electronic-, magnetic- and/oroptically-based storage devices, where they may be read to a processor,under control of an operating system, and executed. And, of course,these components may be provided as hybrid systems that distributefunctionality across dedicated hardware components and programmedgeneral-purpose processors, as desired.

In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features maybe grouped or described together for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that all such features are required to provide an operableembodiment, nor that the claimed embodiments require more features thanare expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all ofthe features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the followingclaims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

Also, where certain claims recite methods, sequence of recitation of aparticular method in a claim does not require that that sequence isessential to an operable claim. Rather, particular method elements orsteps could be executed in different orders without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for replacing aconsumable, the method comprising using a processor to: transmit arequest from a server to a sensor associated with the consumable, therequest configured to cause the sensor to send sensor data, the sensorconfigured to sense a condition of the consumable; receive, in responseto the request, the sensor data regarding the consumable from thesensor; analyze the sensor data from the sensor to determine both astate of the consumable and a physical or functional specification ofthe consumable related to operation of the consumable; estimate a timefor depletion of the consumable based on the sensor data; responsive toa determination that the state of the consumable indicates thatperformance of the consumable is below a threshold, determine whether areplacement consumable of a same model as the consumable is available;responsive to a determination that the replacement consumable of thesame model is not available, identify a replacement consumable that hasa second physical or functional specification that is within a thresholdrange of the physical or functional specification of the consumable asdetermined by the sensor data from the sensor associated with theconsumable; and determine a supplier of the replacement consumable ableto deliver the replacement consumable before an expiration of the timefor depletion; and automatically place an order for the replacementconsumable that has the second physical or functional specification fromthe supplier.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising using theprocessor to provide a recommendation for an alternative replacement forthe consumable.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying thereplacement consumable that has the second physical or functionalspecification is further based on performance characteristics of theconsumable.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the consumable is a lightbulb and the determination of consumable performance includes adetermination that at least one of an intensity and a warmth of thelight bulb is below the threshold.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thereplacement consumable further includes a characteristic upon which theidentification of the replacement consumable is based, thecharacteristic selected from the group consisting of: size, capacity,price, availability, and delivery time.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein identifying the replacement consumable that has the secondphysical or functional specification is based on the second physical orfunctional specification of the replacement consumable being the same asthe physical or functional specification of the consumable.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein identifying the replacement consumable thathas the second physical or functional specification is a result of adetermination that the replacement consumable performs at a level atleast equal to a level of performance of the consumable.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein the placement of the order is timed to provide anexpected delivery of the replacement consumable that has the secondphysical or functional specification within a pre-definable time periodbefore the depletion of the consumable.
 9. A system for replenishing aconsumable, the system comprising: a storage device storinginstructions; and a processor configured to execute the instructions tocause the system to perform operations, the operations comprising:transmit a request from a server to a sensor associated with theconsumable, the request configured to cause the sensor to send sensordata, the sensor configured to sense a condition of the consumable;receive, in response to the request, the sensor data regarding theconsumable from the sensor; analyze the sensor data from the sensor todetermine both a state of the consumable and a physical or functionalspecification of the consumable related to operation of the consumable;estimate a time for depletion of the consumable based on the sensordata; responsive to a determination that the state of the consumableindicates that performance of the consumable is below a threshold,determine whether a replacement consumable of a same model as theconsumable is available; responsive to a determination that thereplacement consumable of the same model is not available, identify areplacement consumable that has a second physical or functionalspecification that is within a threshold range of the physical orfunctional specification of the consumable as determined by the sensordata from the sensor associated with the consumable; and determine asupplier of the replacement consumable able to deliver the replacementconsumable before an expiration of the time for depletion; andautomatically place an order for the replacement consumable that has thesecond physical or functional specification from the supplier.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise provide arecommendation for an alternative replacement for the consumable. 11.The system of claim 9, wherein identifying the replacement consumablethat has the second physical or functional specification is furtherbased on performance characteristics of the consumable.
 12. The systemof claim 9, wherein the consumable is a light bulb and the determinationof consumable performance includes a determination that at least one of:an intensity and a warmth of the light bulb is below the threshold. 13.The system of claim 9, wherein the placement of the order is timed toprovide an expected delivery of the replacement consumable that has thesecond physical or functional specification within a pre-definable timeperiod before the depletion of the consumable.
 14. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing program instructions that, whenexecuted with a processor, cause an executing device to performoperations for replenishing a consumable, the operations comprising:transmit a request from a server to a sensor associated with theconsumable, the request configured to cause the sensor to send sensordata, the sensor configured to sense a condition of the consumable;receive, in response to the request, the sensor data regarding theconsumable from the sensor; analyze the sensor data from the sensor todetermine both a state of the consumable and a physical or functionalspecification of the consumable related to operation of the consumable;estimate a time for depletion of the consumable based on the sensordata; responsive to a determination that the state of the consumableindicates that performance of the consumable is below a threshold,determine whether a replacement consumable of a same model as theconsumable is available; responsive to a determination that thereplacement consumable of the same model is not available, identify areplacement consumable that has a second physical or functionalspecification that is within a threshold range of the physical orfunctional specification of the consumable as determined by the sensordata from the sensor associated with the consumable; and determine asupplier of the replacement consumable able to deliver the replacementconsumable before an expiration of the time for depletion; andautomatically place an order for the replacement consumable that has thesecond physical or functional specification from the supplier.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein theoperations further comprise providing a recommendation for analternative replacement for the consumable.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein identifying thereplacement consumable that has the second physical or functionalspecification is further based on performance characteristics of theconsumable.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14,wherein the consumable is a light bulb and the determination ofconsumable performance includes a determination that at least one of: anintensity and a warmth of the light bulb is below the threshold.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein theplacement of the order is timed to provide an expected delivery of thereplacement consumable that has the second physical or functionalspecification within a pre-definable time period before the depletion ofthe consumable.